World Reviewer rating

Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen developed from a small fishing port into the main beach resort in Lanzarote. The port still sits picturesque at the western end. Holiday accommodation, bars and restaurants spread eastwards along the white sand beach Playa Grande.

Development is low rise, white painted with green woodwork. The beach is clean, the water Blue Flag standard, and access is easy with a wide promenade. Plentiful sun umbrellas and loungers are arranged on the sand. Pedalos and kayaks are hired out on the beach. Lanzarote's south coast is calm and sheltered so conditions are good for watersports, with several dive centres to choose from.

There is a very wide choice of bars and restaurants, both in the old harbour area and in the newer town. A pleasant cliffside walk runs from the new town to the harbour so it's easy to get there for a change of scene.

Beach lovers could have a happy week relaxing on the sands here. Puerto del Carmen is fairly central, so it's a good centre if you also like to take in history, environment and culture. Timanfaya volcanic park, the dramatic north coast, Cesar Manriqe's Cactus Garden, the historic villages of the interior and the capital Arrecife are accessible by bus, coach or car hire.

Lanzarote is outside the EU VAT area. There are duty free shops for alcohol and tobacco in the old town and the new town. Check the limits on what you can take home as they are lower than if you were visiting mainland Spain.